Buzz
Olivier Babaz Launches Jazz Bowing Course on Discover Double Bass
Olivier Babaz has released a new course on jazz bowing. While there are plenty of resources on arco playing, there aren’t many that focus on its use in jazz. Olivier created 61 video lessons on play bass lines, solos, and melodies with the bow.
YYNOT: Chemical Burn
YYNOT is gearing up for their second album and just released the track, “Chemical Burn.” Tim Starace once again offers up some monster tone on a tune that goes from hard-hitting, to laid back, then grooves, and back again.
Benny Rietveld Anchors New Santana Album, “Africa Speaks”
Guitar legend Carlos Santana pays tribute to the music of Africa on his twenty-fifth studio album, entitled “Africa Speaks.” The 11-song album is once again anchored by longtime collaborator Benny Rietveld, who has been in the band steadily since 1997.
Palmer Introduces the Acoustic Pocket Amp
Palmer has announced the Acoustic Pocket Amp, a compact preamp for used with acoustic instruments. It has three instrument modes – Acoustic Guitar, Acoustic Bass, and Magnetic Pickups – with three basic sound settings.
D’Angelo & The Vanguard: “Betray My Heart” & “Spanish Joint”
Can you ever get enough Pino Palladino? My vote is no. Case in point: check out Pino in concert with D’Angelo from the 2015 North Sea Jazz Festival.
Stanley Clarke Sets Out on Worldwide Tour
Stanley Clarke is embarking on a worldwide summer tour with his band that will take him to the U.S., Europe, and Africa.
Peavey Now Shipping the MAX 300 Bass Amp
Peavey has expanded its MAX series of bass amps with the 300-watt MAX 300 combo. The new unit is the most powerful amp in the series and has features to beef up its sound while remaining portable.
Chris Zantioti & Friends: Crazy
Euripides Dionysiadis sent me this video featuring a cover of Seal’s “Crazy” he co-arranged for his band. The outcome is fantastic.
Ron Carter and Danny Simmons Release “The Brown Beatnik Tomes – Live at BRIC House”
Ron Carter has teamed up with painter and poet Danny Simmons for a new album called “The Brown Beatnik Tomes – Live at BRIC House.” The album features Simmons performing readings from his 2014 book with Carter accompanying him on bass.
Sidewinder Introduces New “Twist-Proof” Straps
Sidewinder Guitar Straps has launched their product line with an innovative new guitar strap that fights twisting. The Sidewinder strap features a swivel coupling that resists twisting.
Vulfpeck: Disco Ulysses
I’ve been hoping Vulfpeck would release the video for “Disco Ulysses”, and they did just that. The track is one of my favorites on their album, “Hill Climber,” and another great showcase for the grooves and moves by Joe Dart.
The Breeders Bassist Josephine Wiggs Releases Solo Album
Josephine Wiggs has released a solo album, entitled “We Fall.” While she is known for her work in the alt-rock band The Breeders (especially for the bass line for “Cannonball”), the new record takes a much different direction.